Fans tuning in for EastEnders on New Year’s Day may have noticed something unusual: the episode wasn’t available on BBC iPlayer this morning as it normally would be. That’s because today’s instalment is a very special one — a flashforward episode built around Max Branning’s future — and the BBC is keeping the suspense tightly wrapped until its broadcast.
Typically, EastEnders episodes appear on BBC iPlayer early in the morning (around 6 a.m.) so viewers can catch up before they air on television later that day. However, in this case, the BBC chose not to release the show early online to protect the impact of the episode’s major twists and surprises.
So when can you watch it? EastEnders will air tonight on BBC One at 7.30 p.m., and the episode will be added to BBC iPlayer at the same time. That means both broadcast and streaming audiences will experience the story simultaneously, heightening the shared anticipation for what’s in store.
What’s making today’s episode such a standout entry in EastEnders history is its format: it jumps ahead to New Year’s Day 2027, offering viewers a glimpse of events one year in the future. The special episode focuses entirely on Max Branning, hinting at dramatic turns in his life — including his possible wedding, a pregnant woman linked to him, shocking scenes involving his children, and even confrontations with the police.
This bold storytelling choice marks the BBC soap’s first full flashforward episode, and producers hope it will launch the year with high intrigue. By delaying the iPlayer release until prime time, the BBC is ensuring that fans watch it as an event rather than part of the usual daily schedule.
Whether you prefer watching on TV or streaming, make sure you’re ready at 7.30 p.m. tonight — because this EastEnders special could redefine Max’s trajectory and leave fans buzzing with questions long after the credits roll.